Punjab Government Stands Firm on Anti-Sacrilege Act Despite Religious Objections

The confrontation between the Punjab government and Sri Akal Takht Sahib over the ‘Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026’ has intensified in the state. During the “Shukrana Yatra” in Sangrur, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made it clear that the law has already come into force and there is no question of withdrawing or amending it after receiving the Governor’s approval. The Chief Minister questioned the objections raised by Sikh organizations, stating that the government had earlier faced criticism for remaining silent when people were demanding a strict law against sacrilege incidents. He said that now, when a stringent law carrying provisions of life imprisonment and fines up to Rs 25 lakh has been enacted, opposition to it is being raised. Meanwhile, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the state government, asking it to remove certain specific provisions from the legislation. According to the Jathedar, some clauses in the law are against Sikh traditions and the sentiments of the Sikh community. He also expressed concern that certain provisions could place granthis and sewadars in the category of offenders. The Jathedar further described the Chief Minister’s “Shukrana Yatra” as an “Ahankaar Yatra” (journey of arrogance). While the Punjab government is presenting the legislation as a historic step against sacrilege, several Panthic organizations are viewing it as interference in the internal religious affairs of Sikhs. The issue is expected to further intensify political and religious tensions in the coming days.